SL vs NZ ODI: Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando Power Sri Lanka To 324/5 In Rain Curtailed Match; New Zealand Need 221-Run In 27 Overs

Sri Lanka national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team:

Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis demolished New Zealand bowlers with their blazing centuries to help Sri Lanka post 324/5 against the visitors before rain stopped their innings with four balls remaining in the first ODI of the series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.

New Zealand received a revised target of 221 from 27 overs after the rain break. 

Sri Lanka batters absolutely dominated the New Zealand bowlers, smashing them all around the ground throughout the match. Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando led the charge, with Mendis scoring 114 runs off 113 balls and Fernando making 100 runs off 114 balls. Their partnership was instrumental in Sri Lanka's strong performance, with a 206-run stand off 203 balls.

The Sri Lankan batters severe on the New Zealand bowlers, with Ish Sodhi being smashed for 62 runs in his 10 overs and Michael Bracewell conceding 44 runs in his 7 overs.

Sri Lanka national cricket team's innings

Opted to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to a shaky start as Pathum Nissanka after hammering back-to-back two boundaries fell prey to Jacob Duffy's clever delivery in the third over. 

After Nissanka's early departure, the Sri Lankan batting duo Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis found their rhythm on a pitch conducive to scoring, expertly navigating the challenging spin conditions to reach their respective centuries. Despite the spinners finding sharp turn, the pair's composed and assured batting ensured a steady flow of runs.

After an early blow, Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis kept the run flow going for Sri Lanka. Kusal Mendis batted cautiously in the beginning against the Kiwi bowlers and completed his half-century in 64 balls.

After staying on the crease, he batted at a good run rate and converted his innings into a century in 102 balls. Meanwhile, along with Avishka Fernando, he also made a big partnership of 206 runs for the second wicket.

Fernando also brought up his century, his first in ODIs since September 2021, in 114 balls. However, soon after making his century, Fernando lost his wicket to Ish Sodhi, breaking a blistering partnership of 206 runs.

In the 46th over, Jacob Duffy bagged his second wicket of the match as he removed well-set centurion batter Mendis for 143 runs. 

In the last five overs, Charith Asalanka kept the scoreboard ticking with his power-hitting mastery, smoking two back-to-back sixes off Nathan Smith. However, Asalanka's stay at the crease was cut short by Duffy after scoring 40 runs.

With just four balls left in the innings, the rain returned and stopped Sri Lanka's marathon innings. 

Sri Lanka national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team match scorecard:

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 324/5 in 49.2 overs (Kusal Mendis 143, Avishka Fernando 100; Jacob Duffy 3-41) vs New Zealand.